After a career spanning more than 40 years of service, John Bagshaw, the managing director of International Decorative Surfaces, IDS, has decided to retire.

John was instrumental in establishing IDS in 1999 and he has built IDS into the UK’s leading specialist distributor of decorative surfaces, generating well over £100 million in annual revenues and employing over 500 incredibly committed and capable team members across 16 sites in the UK.

Having led IDS through the Covid pandemic and its recent buyout by Chiltern Capital, John will now hand over the reins to Andy Sutton, IDS’s long-standing commercial director, who moves into the role of CEO. Andy will be well known to many of IDS’s customers, suppliers and employees, having worked closely with John over the past 21 years.

John Bagshaw commented: “I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the last 22 years, during which we have successfully managed through some challenging times and wish you all good luck for the future.”

Andy Sutton commented: “On behalf of all the employees at IDS, past and present, I would like to thank John for his commitment and hard work, and we wish him all the best in his retirement. It is a privilege to be taking on the role of CEO and I am committed to building on the many successes to date and look forward to taking IDS through the next stage of its journey. We have a talented team, enduring and innovative suppliers and valued customers, and I am delighted and humbled to have been chosen to lead the business into the future.”

Tony Buffin, the chairman, commented: “John has played a fundamental role in building IDS and guiding it through unprecedented times. We are, however, extremely pleased with the deserved appointment of Andy as CEO. He has built strong relationships with both customers and suppliers over many years and has ambitious plans for the business. We look forward to giving him our full support.”

Contact IDS: 01782 567200, info@idsurfaces.co.uk or web: www.idsurfaces.co.uk